PFAN Urges Caution Against ‘Crucifying’ Super Eagles Over Unpaid Bonuses

Prince Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, has issued a strong statement cautioning against what he describes as “compromised and induced media personalities and organisations” attacking the Super Eagles regarding unpaid bonuses. Jalla asserts that the players are fully entitled to their agreed-upon bonuses within established timelines, especially during major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Jalla slammed the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stating they had ‘two full years to work on the logistics of AFCON’, dismissing the usual useless excuses for continued mismanagement and gross incompetence as unacceptable.

He posed pertinent questions regarding the funding of the NFF’s official delegation to Morocco, asking if officials were also owed daily allowances and estacodes, and if they personally funded their trips. Jalla highlighted the norm of official delegations receiving payments in hard currency either before departure or upon arrival at international championships, regardless of team performance. He questioned why players should be “crucified for demanding their legitimate entitlements.”

Despite the off-field issues, Jalla praised the Super Eagles’ performance in the ongoing AFCON, particularly in their recent matches against Uganda and Mozambique, noting the team is “gradually regaining its confidence.” He emphasised that the core issue in Nigerian football is not talent, but “the lack of quality administration,” which he believes must be addressed after the current Nations Cup.

Jalla concluded by asserting the NFF’s duty to maintain discipline within the Super Eagles’ camp, stating, “No single player is bigger than the nation.” He called for the resignation of those in charge if they cannot uphold order, and urged “media hirelings” to cease distracting the Super Eagles, who he believes are operating under “precarious conditions” due to “grossly incompetent football administrators.”